By Nellie Nyirenda

Blantyre, March 15, Mana: Humanitarian organization, Gift of the Givers Foundation has disclosed that over K8 million worth of relief items will be distributed to people that were affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Jude in Phalombe and Mulanje districts before extending to other districts such as Mangochi.

So far the cyclone has affected 20,646 people across 11 districts, with approximately 4,588 households displaced, according to Gift of the Givers Foundation.

The organisation`s Country Director, Sherifa Mia told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday that in response to effects of Tropical Cyclone Jude, the foundation was distributing to victims’ relief items such as 2,000 kilograms of maize flour, 1,000 packets of soya pieces, tinned fish, salt, cooking oil, cartons of water guard, cartons of soap and plastic buckets.

“Many of the displaced individuals have lost food and non-food items including kitchen utensils, clothes and blankets. We are now providing them with food and hygiene supplies,

“Once we have a clearer picture of their needs, we will provide a return-home pack to the affected families,” Mia added.

She said while Phalombe and Mulanje were there immediate focus, the organisation intended to extend assistance to other severely affected districts such as Mangochi in the coming weeks.

The humanitarian organisation also urged individuals of good will and other organisations to contribute towards Tropical Cyclone Jude victims “through finances or in-kind donations”.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) Public Relations Officer, Chipililo Khamula, thanked Gift of the Givers and other organisations for assisting affected communities.

“We are thankful to organisations such as Gift of the Givers and others for the support they are providing to affected communities,” he added.